EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Rookie punt returner Jalen Saunders, who muffed a punt in Monday night's loss to the Chicago Bears, was benched Sunday by the New York Jets. He was declared inactive for the Jets' critical game against the Detroit Lions at MetLife Stadium.
Saunders will be replaced by Jeremy Kerley, who took his spot against the Bears, or rookie Walter Powell, who is active for the first time. Powell also could figure in the wide receiver mix. As expected, Eric Decker is active, but he could be limited due to a lingering hamstring injury. David Nelson also missed two days of practice due to food poisoning, but he's active and will play.
Ideally, the Jets would rather not use Kerley as the punt returner. It's risky, considering his expanded role as a wide receiver. But at least he can catch the ball, so they may not have a choice.
Rex Ryan was non-committal last Thursday when asked about Saunders' status, a clear sign he was mulling a change. Saunders also muffed a punt in Week 2, but it was recovered. Special teams coach Thomas McGaughey mentioned Powell as a possibility, saying they'd base the decision on how they performed in practice.
In other news, cornerback Dee Milliner (quadriceps) is inactive, as expected. Defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis is inactive, a surprise. The Jets are dressing only five defensive linemen against the pass-happy Lions, and they've decided to go with T.J. Barnes over Ellis as the fifth. The other inactive players are linebacker IK Enemkpali, linebacker A.J. Edds, guard Dakota Dozier and tackle Ben Ijalana.
For the Lions, the news (if you could call it that) is that star wide receiver Calvin Johnson (ankle) is active. Their inactives are quarterback Kellen Moore, safety Don Carey, cornerback Cassius Vaughn, linebacker Travis Lewis, tackle LaAdrian Waddle, defensive end Larry Webster and tight end Joseph Fauria.
